Japan and U.S. Politicians Want to Bring Superfast Train to NYC-DC Route

- Nov 20, 2013 12:30 pm

Skift Take

Japan is desperate to regain its reputation as a tech powerhouse and sees a Maglev in the U.S. as the first step towards becoming the primary exporter for high-speed trains. But even with Japan’s help, it is unlikely to happen.

— Samantha Shankman

Share

Tweet

Share

Post

Send

Mr. Pataki and other former American politicians were in Japan Saturday for a special test ride of the [world’s fastest] train, which uses a technology called magnetic levitation, or maglev. They are trying to bring a maglev train to the crowded Northeast Corridor that will cruise between New York and Washington at more than twice the 150-mile-an-hour top speed of Amtrak’s Acela, the fastest train in the United States.

Maglev trains could make the journey in an hour, compared with just under three hours, on a good day, for Acela. That would be considerably faster than flying, especially when getting to and from the airport is factored in.

The Skift Daily newsletter puts you ahead of everyone about the future of travel. Subscribe now.